[Selected aspects of theophylline antiinflammatory action on the respiratory tract]

Abstract

Theophylline is now considered not only as the a bronchodilatator, but it is increasingly recognised, that it has other anti-asthma activities. The clinical pharmacological observations and in vitro data showed, that theophylline has several anti-inflammatory activities relevant to asthma. These include, even at low plasma concentrations, the inhibition at cytokine synthesis and release, the inhibition of inflammatory cell activation and microvascular leakage, the prevention of airway hyperresponsiveness induced by airway inflammation. Theophylline appears to have immunomodulatory effects. Theophylline can be regarded as a useful alternative to other anti-inflammatory drugs for the chronic treatment of mild and moderate asthma. It should be used at the lower doses to achieve plasma concentrations of 5-10 mg/l, with will avoid the risk of side effects. Future studies are required to evaluate the role of low-dose theophylline and its place in the management of asthma.